Hepatitis C Virus Infection as a Risk Factor for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Cirrhosis

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus infection is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, apparently by inducing cirrhosis and, to a lesser extent, by enhancing the risk in patients with cirrhosis. Hepatitis C virus infection acts independently of HBV infection (another risk factor) and of alcohol abuse, age, or gender.